Biological Production of Industrial Small Esters

Abstract

Microorganism engineered to produce various C4-C8 esters.

Full Description

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have produced small esters (C4-C8) through the manipulation of microorganisms. A genetically modified microorganism was used to produce C4-C8 esters. These esters are used in nitrocellulose lacquers, coatings for plastic substrates, high solids coatings, artificial flavouring and fragrance.

Compared to the current ester production methods which heavily depend on petroleum, this invention allows for environmentally friendly and sustainable production from a renewable source. Additionally, these esters have limited solubility in water, generating a bilayer that allows for continuous microbial production and easy purification.

Applications

• Lacquers solvents
• Ingredient in painted coatings
• Food flavorings (orange, pineapple, pear, banana)
• Cosmetics
• Fragrances

Features/Benefits

• Environmentally friendly
• Continuous production
• Easy purification

Related Materials

• Two-dimensional isobutyl acetate production pathways to improve carbon yield (Nature Communications) - 06/25/2015
• Engineering new routes to biochemicals - 06/25/2015
• PCT patent application PCT/US2014/053587 - 03/05/2015
• Sweet smell of sustainability: renewable sources for artificial scents - 03/10/2014
• Expanding ester biosynthesis in Escherichia coli (Nature Chemical Biology) - 03/09/2014

Patent Status